Sandringham kicked off their season in the best possible way last weekend with a strong seven-point win over Essendon at Trevor Barker Beach Oval. With 17 St Kilda-listed players in action and a formidable VFL core, the Zebras stood up when the Bombers made a late surge in the second half. Darren Minchington starred with four goals and Nick O’Kearney led the disposals with 31.

In the opposition stakes, Richmond dominated North Ballarat by a staggering 188-points at Punt Road Oval. The Tigers’ 33 goals for the game will take some beating, with the Roosters only managing two majors in the first three quarters. Anthony Miles led the disposals with 34, while AFL Tigers’ Ben Lennon, Sam Lloyd and Jacob Townsend kicked 16 goals between them.

The talented midfielder-forward was among the best in the Zebras’ opening round win, gathering 27 disposals and laying a team high 13 tackles at Beach Rd. Along with five inside 50s and a solitary goal, the 22-year-old will again be an important piece in the midfield stakes.

Nick O’Kearney

In what may very well be a breakout game for the St Kilda rookie, the hard-running O’Kearney blossomed in a forward-midfield role last Saturday. The 20-year-old led the disposals with 31, along with nine marks, four tackles and four inside 50s to impress coach Lindsay Gilbee.

RICHMOND

Sam Lloyd

The Tiger goal sneak was unstoppable against the Roosters last weekend, bagging five goals from nine scoring shots along with 26 disposals and 14 marks. Lloyd’s goal kicking nous is invaluable to his side along with his strong overhead marking and ball winning ability. The Tigers will need him at his best to upset the Zebras.

Ben Lennon

The former first-round draft pick was another to fire in VFL’s opening round, kicking six goals along with 18 disposals and eight marks. The 21-year-old is a classy ball user and is another the Zebras will need to keep a close eye on come Saturday afternoon.